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Ford announces Mustang Supercars program

Posted on Tuesday, April 17, 2018 by Norman Carr

Ford announces Mustang Supercars program

"We are giving Mustang a proper birthday today, with the Australian unveiling of the new 2018 model and confirming its Australian track-debut with Supercars in 2019", said Ford Australia President and CEO, Graeme Whickman.

Just three years after pulling the pin on its local motorsport program, Ford Australia is back in the Supercars game - and it's bringing back an old friend.

It now runs the Fusion in the top-tier Cup series and it is the oldest make on the grid after Chevrolet introduced its new Camaro for 2018, a year after Toyota brought an updated Camry.

Mustang's return to the championship is also made possible through Supercars' Gen2 rules platform, which opens up the championship to two-door cars and non-V8 engines, although significant work will be needed to allow the Mustang's body shape to fit over the mandated control chassis.

The brand will also supply both financial and technical assistance to leading Ford-aligned teams Tickford Racing and DJR Team Penske to develop the racing version of the auto.

However, Ford confirmed they will stick with the engine which has defined the sport's V8-centric status since 1993. Demand remains particularly strong in China, where Mustang was the best-selling sports coupe previous year based on 7 125 registrations.

Racing legend and co-owner of DJR Team Penske, Dick Johnson, joked that he "wouldn't be caught" in any other auto, after speculation Ford would sign on.

Their racing Mustang will be modelled off the new 2019 model which will go on sale in Australia and New Zealand from July.

The Ford Performance global organisation serves as an innovation laboratory and test-bed to create unique performance vehicles, parts, accessories and experiences for customers.

Part of that range will be the new Ford Performance Ranger Raptor, also present at the launch, which will also be the official recovery vehicle of the Supercars championship.

"Demand for Mustang continues to be very strong", said Crystal Worthem, Marketing director, Ford Middle East & Africa.

"The fact that we will be able to build and race a Mustang in the 2019 Supercars Championship is music to my ears".

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